Best Daycares in Dayton, OH — 2026 Rankings

We ranked 10 daycares and childcare centers in Dayton based on licensing, accreditation, parent reviews, and childcare quality.

Top Daycares in Dayton

  1. #1 — Youthland Academy Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  2. #2 — Mad River Early Childhood Center Score: 71%

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  3. #3 — Merrie Time Christian Preschool & Daycare Score: 63%

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  4. #4 — Longfellow Preschool Score: 60%

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Elementary school. View full profile →

  5. #5 — Pop Up Preschool Score: 60%

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  6. #6 — On Purpose Academy Score: 60%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Elementary school. View full profile →

  7. #7 — Burkhardt Road KinderCare Score: 57%

    Programs: Preschool, Child care and day care, School, Education. View full profile →

  8. #8 — Playtime Nursery School Score: 57%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  9. #9 — Miami Valley Child Development Centers - Rosa Parks Score: 49%

    Programs: Preschool, School, Education. View full profile →

  10. #10 — Laphil Dreams Early Childhood Score: 40%

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →

How We Rank Daycares & Childcare Centers

Our Guide Score percentage combines Google rating (35%), review volume (20%), web and contact presence (20%), profile completeness (15%), accreditation such as NAEYC (5%), press recognition (3%), and years of operation (2%), then normalizes across captured positive categories. Read our full methodology →

Frequently asked questions

Who is the #1 daycare in Dayton?
Youthland Academy is currently the #1 ranked daycare in Dayton based on our Guide Score, which evaluates parent reviews, licensing status, accreditation, and quality signals. See the full ranked list above.
How are daycares ranked in Dayton?
Our Guide Score percentage combines weighted evidence from Google rating, review volume, web and contact presence, profile completeness, accreditation, press recognition, and years of operation, then normalizes across categories with captured positive evidence. There is no paid placement.
How much does daycare cost in Dayton?
Childcare costs in Dayton vary by program type and age group. Full-time infant care commonly ranges from $800–$2,500/month; preschool programs run $600–$1,800/month. Each center's profile page lists contact information for current rates.